Timing is everything when it comes to getting the right deal. Even airlines change their fares three times each day. No kidding. If you wait until you need something – let’s say a new winter coat, an air conditioner or even boat insurance – you’re probably going to pay a premium rate.

Knowing when to buy something is key to getting the best rate. Here are some of the best times to buy some of the most common items you might want to check out:

• Air conditioners. This one should be a no-brainer. The best time to get a deal on an air conditioner is in the winter. It’s just common sense. People use their air conditioners from May to September. That’s when people feel the heat, and that’s when they feel compelled to go out and buy one. As the temps drop, so does demand. When that happens, price follows.
• Appliances. If you want a new fridge, look in September or October. This is when new models are going to hit the display floor, and when retailers are going to be discounting last year’s models in order to make more room.
• Outdoor Sports equipment. Bikes and other sporting gear come out with their new lines in February and March.  January, then, is the time to go looking for hiking gear, tents and other outdoor sports equipment.
• Travel tickets. This is a tricky one. If you want to travel during the holidays, there’s very rarely a sale. If you find one, buy it. For traveling at other times of the year, the sweet spot to buy your tickets is between 90 and 21 days prior to your flight. Lowest fares tend to be filed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, so those tend to be the best days to buy.
• Boats. January is boat show season, and for good reason. Boat sellers need to move inventory, and their boats have likely been sitting for months. Do your research ahead of time, but go to a boat show for the best deals of the year. You can probably talk to an agent about boat insurance while you’re there.
• Furniture. The new year’s furniture ships to stores in February and then again in August. Accordingly, January and July tend to have the best prices.
• Jewelry. There isn’t necessarily a good time to buy jewelry, but there are some bad times. The holidays, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day all tend to have premium rates. Avoid ‘em if you can.
• Linens. The so-called “White Sale” was a strategy devised by a man named John Wannamaker back in 1878. It worked for him then, and it works for many retailers today. Look for the best deals on linens in January.

Photo via striatic